College is a huge adjustment for everyone. Some adjust well and others don't. Everyone is different, and different experiences among each individual can make or break a college experience. I know I learned a lot about myself as well as about life in general when I went off to school. These things are what have transformed me into the person I am today and help me understand what I want out of life and out of college.
1. Time management is key.
I learned while trying to make new friends and get involved in campus activities that it is very important to manage your time wisely. When choosing activities to get involved in, pick the ones you enjoy most that don't conflict with one another. That way you are able to participate in the activities you want while also meeting new people with similar interests as you. While choosing friends, choose the friends that make you feel good about yourself and that you have in common with. Also, choose friends that understand and respect your personal space and never make you do anything you do not want to do. This will definitely make you feel much better about yourself and will enable you to have fun with people you like. Studying is very important in college as well. While figuring out what activities to join on campus, make sure you find time to get your work done and study for important tests. Although it is important to have a social life so that you get the most out of the college experience, school always should come first. If it doesn't, your grades will suffer tremendously. Lastly, your personal health is above everything. If you don't find time for yourself and your needs, you'll have a mental breakdown (or two). Make sure you are happy and in control.
2. Mom can't hold your hand every step of the way.
I never knew how much my mom really did for me until I went to college. From doing my laundry to making my home cooked meals, Mom was the best at meeting all the needs I (lazily) couldn't do for myself. When I went off to college, I had to learn all the things my mom would do for me that I couldn't (but should have) done for myself while at home. Home is definitely nice because of the many things Mom does for me, but it's nice to know that I can take care of myself. Remember that Mom will always be there for you, but you have to grow up and become an adult by yourself.
3. Growing up is stressful.
We always loved becoming one year older when we were younger. But as children, we never realized the things that come with growing up, such as getting internships while keeping up our grades in school. Becoming an adult is stressful and fulfilling at the same time. The important part to remember is that our struggles will eventually be worth it when we become the happiest we can be with our lives, even if they are not exactly what we planned them to be like. Happiness is the goal.
4. It is okay to feel lost.
Everyone who goes to college feels like a small fish in a big sea. But it is important to know that everyone feels this way during this time, and everyone on earth has felt this same way at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, this may not be the only time you feel this way. Starting a new job or starting something new in general that requires you to build up can make us feel very intimidated and scared, but everyone has gone through the same thing and people have gotten through it before so we must know that we can do it as well. Bottom line: you are not alone. College is a big adjustment for everyone. Life requires us to constantly adjust to our surroundings. It's just part of growing up. Just take baby steps toward becoming the person you want to be on your college campus or more importantly, the person you want to become for yourself.
5. Always be yourself.
Never forget who you are and where you are from. It is easy to lose yourself and to get caught up in trying to make friends and be who you have always envisioned yourself as in college. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and start to sway from things you may have previously loved, and that is perfectly OK. It is OK because that is how we grow up and become the individuals we were always meant to be. What is not OK is being a person you're not because others want you to be that way. No one should dictate what you can or can't do, and people who want to be in your life must accept you for who you are. They shouldn't want to change you and if they do, do not let them have any part in your life. Do what you want and be who you want to be.
